PETER KING'S: THINGS I THINK

1. Lake Wobegone is emptying.

I'm not saying that those who are last shall be first, but the parity thing is working. Detroit needed a last-minute TD at home to survive the Rams, who were 2--14 last year. Philadelphia needed the same to beat the downtrodden Browns. And the Bucs, winners of four last year, held one of the best running teams, Carolina, to 10 yards on the ground. Watch Tampa—new coach Greg Schiano will build a contender, and soon.

2. Green Bay's on the wrong kind of roll.

A trendy Super Bowl pick by some geniuses (including this one), the Pack trailed by 16 after three quarters and lost 30--22 at home. Don't be too alarmed—yet—but Green Bay has lost its last two games, both at home, by a total of 25 points.

3. You've gotta love redemption stories.

Kyle Williams, the 49ers' returner who muffed a punt and fumbled another, handing the 2011 NFC title to the Giants, was back catching punts on Sunday at Lambeau. Reminded of nothing else all summer, the son of White Sox G.M. Kenny Williams fielded four flawlessly: three fair catches and one returned for 20 yards.

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DANIEL WALLACE/TAMPA BAY TIMES/ZUMAPRESS.COM